IKEJA INAUGURATION: Comrade Akeem Dauda Sworn in as Ikeja LG Chairman, Unveils Governance Blueprint**
…Pledges People-Centric Leadership, Unity and Development for All
Ikeja Local Government was aglow on Sunday, July 27, 2025, as Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda, popularly known as AKOD, officially assumed office as the Executive Chairman of the Local Government, following his swearing-in by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu alongside 56 other council chairmen across Lagos State.
The inaugural ceremony and reception, held at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, drew political stakeholders, community leaders, civil servants, religious leaders, party loyalists, and well-wishers, who gathered to witness what the new chairman described as “the birth of a new covenant between government and the people of Ikeja.”
In a stirring inaugural address, Comrade Dauda expressed deep gratitude to God, as well as notable political leaders including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the late Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson, and Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, whom he praised for their support, mentorship, and commitment to progressive politics.
Unveiling the I.K.E.J.A AGENDA
The newly sworn-in chairman used the occasion to launch his administration’s governance blueprint tagged “The I.K.E.J.A AGENDA”, a people-focused policy direction built around:
- I – Infrastructural Development & Urban Renewal: Upgrading roads, drainage, public facilities, and markets.
- K – Knowledge-Based Economic Empowerment: Digital literacy, skills acquisition, ICT hubs, and tech startups.
- E – Environmental Governance & Healthcare Initiatives: Waste management, clean environment, and modern primary health services.
- J – Just Society & Welfare Access: Support for the elderly, vulnerable, unemployed, and people living with disabilities.
- A – Accountability & Good Governance: Transparent budgeting, citizen feedback, and responsible use of public funds.
Comrade Dauda pledged to run an all-inclusive government, calling on residents of Ikeja regardless of background or political leaning to join hands with his administration in building a stronger and more prosperous community.
Vice Chairman and Councillors Unveiled
Also introduced during the ceremony were key members of the new local legislative and executive leadership:
- Vice Chairman: Hon. Abiodun Alabi
- Councillors:
Hon Raseed Ogunseye
Hon Shakirat Jinadu
Hon Ganiyu Lawal
Hon Idris Opeyemi Salami
Hon Tunde Folami
Hon Sabiru Obadeyi
The chairman described his team as a “council of service-driven individuals ready to deliver results with integrity and humility.”
Governance with Integrity and Humility
Reiterating his resolve to lead with “accountability, openness, and ethical leadership,” Comrade Dauda said his administration would not govern with arrogance but as servants of the people. Civil servants were assured of improved working conditions, continuous training, and motivation to perform.
He also emphasized youth empowerment, market modernization, community-driven policies, and frequent town hall meetings as ways his administration intends to stay connected to grassroots realities.
Call for Unity and Cooperation
“The task ahead is bigger than me,” AKOD declared. “I need you—the traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, market women, youth, and every son and daughter of Ikeja. Let us build together. This is your government.”
With resounding applause, the Ikeja community embraced the call for unity and change, as Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda officially began his tenure, promising to set new standards of excellence in local governance.
